Sentinel - The West Face

Synopsis

Sentinel: The West Face is a captivating documentary film released in 1967 that chronicles Royal Robbins' daring ascent of Sentinel Rock's West Face, one of Yosemite Valley's most challenging big walls. The film captures the essence of 1960s pioneering rock climbing, showcasing Robbins' technical skill, determination, and the sheer physical and mental demands of scaling such a formidable granite monolith. With breathtaking cinematography and authentic climbing sequences, the documentary offers an intimate glimpse into the climbing culture and the spirit of adventure during this era, inspiring audiences with its timeless portrayal of human endurance and nature's grandeur.

Cast

• 

  Royal Robbins

  Self

• 

  Yvon Chouinard

  Self

• 

  Barry Corbet

  Narrator

Reviews

Sentinel: The West Face is widely regarded as a classic among climbing documentaries, praised for its raw and unfiltered depiction of one of the sport's historic ascents. On IMDb, it holds a positive rating from climbing enthusiasts who appreciate its authenticity and the pioneering spirit it conveys. While mainstream review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic do not feature the film due to its documentary and niche nature, climbing magazines and websites frequently cite it as an essential watch for those interested in the roots of modern big wall climbing. Critics commend the film's cinematography, considering the technical limitations of the 1960s, and its capacity to convey the tension and triumph intrinsic to such a climb. Some viewers note that the film's pacing may feel slow compared to contemporary documentaries, but this is often seen as a reflection of the era and climbing style rather than a flaw. Overall, it remains an influential piece of climbing history and is valued for both its educational content and inspiring storytelling.

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Manon of the Spring

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